PLANS to close the post office branch in a 'village' in Torquay would be a ‘hammer blow’ to the area, it is claimed.

Current proposals by the Post Office would see the closure of the Torre branch to be replaced by a service operating out of the McColls Retail Group shop in Lymington Road.

A public consultation has been launched which runs until December with proposals to move the Post Office next Fenbruary or March.

The new branch would be outside the historic area of Torre, provide fewer services than those currently on offer and would share its space with a small convenience store, say the protesting Torbay Liberal Democrats.

Ward councillor Nick Pentney, said: “This could be yet another blow for Torre.

“With the unpopular traffic reversal scheme, the closure of a major bank and the rise of anti-social behaviour in Torre, the closure of this popular community hub really is the last thing Torre needs.”

“Torre — as a distinct community — needs its own post office, not one that’s out of the area and a substantial walk from the existing branch.

“We will be fighting hard to protect the Torre branch.”

Swithin Long

Local resident and Liberal Democrat Swithin Long, said: “The removal of the post office from Torre would be a hammer blow to Brunswick Square and the top end of Union Street and be bad news for local residents and businesses alike.”

Bay Mp Kevin Foster said he had been informed about the proposed relocation of Torre Post Office, from 298 Union Street, Torquay to 189 Lymington Road, Torquay.

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He said:" If the relocation goes ahead, subject to consultation, I have been advised the branch will trade as a “new style” of local post office in the premises in Lymington Road, currently trading as McColls.

"Whilst those living in parts of Upton might find the proposed location closer to them, several residents have already pointed out the lack of easy car parking. The current Post Office is directly opposite Brunswick Square Car Park which has bays allowing 20 minutes free parking. The closure of the existing branch would also see the last banking counter removed from Torre following the closure of the Lloyds Branch.

McColls in Lymington Road (Image: Google)

"If you live in the Torre & Upton area it is important to have your say on this plan."

To have your say go to the Post Office website here and enter the Branch code number 18955299.

The consultation ends on December 1 and the proposed relocation of Torre Post office is scheduled for February /March 2018.